24 Nov 2023

Wānaka residents upset over 24-hour McDonalds application

From Morning Report, 7:56 am on 24 November 2023

Wānaka residents are objecting to an application for a 24-hour McDonalds.

The company has applied for consent to build a restaurant in the town, complete with a drive thru, seating for 75 people and parking for 24 cars.

But a petition organised by locals says it would go against the town's "core community values" - citing health, wellness and a beautiful natural environment. 

Wānaka Chamber of Commerce general manager Glenn Peat says the proposal presents both opportunities and challenges for the town, which wants to grow economically while preserving its unique character.

Peat and petition organiser Sarah Morrison spoke to Corin Dann.